History books are filled with stories. Stories that can sometimes seem stale. 

The White House Inn Museum on Highway 76 gives some of those stories room to breathe, bringing history to life. Through exhibits showcasing artifacts from this area, visitors can discover where the town got its name and who the early settlers were. Visitors can even see a display of arrowheads excavated from the ground beneath the town. 

Thanks to the museum’s passionate director, Susan Holcraft, and the Tennessee State Museum’s assistance, more stories have made their way to the white two-story house.

In celebration of the United States of America’s 250th birthday, the TSM offered museums across the state the opportunity to host a traveling display of the Volunteer State’s historic records.

“The Tennessee State Museum is a great resource, especially for us as a small museum, and it is great for them to provide this,” said Susan. 

She eagerly accepted the invitation to participate, knowing that over 200 museums could be vying for one of 12 spots.

The White House Inn Museum won out, hosting the traveling exhibit August 3rd through 27th. 

Suffragette leaders, Native American artists, early governors, civil rights leaders—their stories connected to America’s larger timeline, yet etched right here in Tennessee—dot the 7-foot-high fabric panels.

Susan quietly smiles while walking through the displays. “They have spotlighted some artists and stuff that aren’t always spotlighted, so that’s kind of cool.”

Space to pause and linger surrounds each traveling panel, with Susan and her team having assembled items from the museum related to the stories TSM put on display.

“We want people to know this is related to right here, right here and all of Tennessee.” She shares, “We are part of that. We’re part of that story for America.”

History, after all, is our story. 

Come, be part of the 250th celebration. Visit the museum at 412 HWY 76, White House, TN. Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 4 pm. The exhibit is on display through August 27th. Follow on Facebook.